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If You Can Think It, You Can Do It
BY NAJA WILLIAMSON The final conference opportunity to hear how to tap into your genius exceeded audience expectations. Celebrated speakers and a high-energy program at the closing celebration of the It's My Life '07 Conference in Atlanta in October challenged youth to to tap into their genius by taking a new look at life and re-evaluating directions.
Latrice Ware, founder and executive director of Youth Business Initiative Programs, received a 2006 Ruth Massinga Birth Parent Award for extraordinary efforts in improving children's lives. Youth Business Initiative Programs works in partnership with nonprofits, for-profits, and government organizations to promote growth and success of foster care youth in postsecondary education, entrepreneurship, cultural enrichment, economic empowerment, and civic participation. Now reunited with her daughter after losing her to the foster care system, Ware is a proud parent of two wonderful girls. She works to train future foster parents, has presented to Independent Living graduates, has mentored several youth in care, and challenged the youth attending the conference to "make a decision to be successful and do it." Renee Kaplan, executive vice president of Public Affairs and Communications for Casey Family Programs, drew parallels between foster care and homesteading in the late 1800s. "In both cases people search for a land of promise and opportunity, and they cannot do it alone," she said. "Those who survive and are successful follow these key guidelines: make good choices, trust the right people, and rely on a strong support system of good neighbors and friends." Renowned entertainer, innovative producer and director, and Grammy-Award winner Usher shared his dream and passion for starting a foundation that mentors at-risk youth in pursuing their dreams. Usher's New Look, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, helps create avenues for young people to enter the business side of sports and entertainment, both multi-billion-dollar industries. His foundation provides leadership, guidance and support to help youth become not only successful, but leaders in their careers, in their communities, and as world citizens. Usher learned at a young age the importance of planting seeds early in a child's life, the principle of giving back to the community, and the belief that true success stories start at the bottom. His mother's work mentoring at-risk and foster care youth involved in the juvenile justice system set the stage for his foundation's work.
"If you can think it, you can do it," he said. "Find and follow your passion. Pay no attention to negative messages. Seek the positive in times of mayhem and the negative energy will fall away." When he lost his voice as a young teen, Usher had to "stay in courage" to find his voice again. It took time and hard work, but his confidence in himself, his talents and abilities paid off. He learned the importance of having a Plan B when Plan A doesn't work. By helping young people learn the business side of the sports and entertainment industry, which can support only so many stars, they gain options. With
such a dynamic finale, youth in foster care can look forward to
the next conference coming to Los Angeles in 2009. Until then, they
can make connections with colleagues, alumni, and professionals
to help them unleash their genius. Read related story: "Foster Care Youth Asked to Unleash Their Genius at It's My Life" Learn more about Usher's Foundation, Ushers New Look Learn
more about Casey Family Programs |
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